The burning of fossil fuels significantly contributes to global warming primarily through the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. When coal, oil, and natural gas are combusted for energy production, they emit carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), among other pollutants. These greenhouse gases act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping heat from the sun that would otherwise escape into space. This trapped heat leads to an increase in global temperatures, a phenomenon known as global warming.
The consequences of global warming are extensive and include rising average temperatures, melting polar ice caps and glaciers, sea-level rise, more frequent and severe weather events, altered precipitation patterns, and disruptions to ecosystems. These changes have far-reaching impacts on human societies, including threats to food and water security, increased risks of heat-related illnesses, and displacement of populations due to sea-level rise. To mitigate global warming, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and transitioning to cleaner, renewable energy sources is crucial.